Barefoot

If you know me, you know I hate wearing shoes. If you know the UNC campus, you know that shoes are a necessity. Today, to raise awareness about the importance one pair shoes can bring, some of us are going barefoot. Needless to say, there will be much foot washing later, but for now, wherever you are, for a little bit, take off your shoes and walk around somewhere. Think how easy it is to get a cut, a splinter, a blister, and then think about how easily that can get infected. Think of all the things you're walking through, unprotected. Then think about this:

- In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.
- Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.
- Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.
- In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.
- Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.
(from http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=376663552429&ref=ts)

As a friend of mine has said, being aware of something makes no difference if you don't do something. So do something. Take off your shoes, feel some pain, and then help fix the problem. Fast for a day or two or five, feel hunger and go fix it. Think of the gross water you could be drinking and go help provide clean water for the millions who don't have it.

We can fix this.

Come on, let's go take on the world today.